Premium brands are starting to offer digital key technology, and it’s certainly starting to become more common. Since we all practically live on our phones, it won’t be long before it becomes so widespread that physical keys and key fobs will only exist as a backup. Apple is set to push one step closer to that reality when iOS 13.4 is released with a new “CarKey” function for the Apple iPhone and Apple Watch.

Apple CarKey Function – What is It?

Apple’s new CarKey function will do precisely as you’d expect – it’ll allow you to lock, unlock, and start compatible vehicles with near field communication (NFC) technology. This is the same technology that allows you to tap your phone or debit card on card readers at store checkouts or access buildings with specially coded tags or cards.

According to 9to5Mac, Apple has already released a beta version of iOS 13.4 to developers, and Apple’s new CarKey function was apparently included. As of now, little is known about it, but the idea is that you’ll be able to hold your phone up to the NFC reader on compatible vehicles (usually the door handle) to unlock or lock the car. For starting, the NFC reader is usually on the dash or steering column, but it functions the same way. Reportedly, it works without having to use Face ID, and you’ll be able to “change express mode settings in Wallet .”

There’s more to it than just locking, unlocking, and starting your vehicle, though. The app will allow you to share access to the vehicle with friends and family.

There’s no exact word on when iOS 13.4 will launch or when CarKey will be available, but it’s apparently a direct result of Apple’s involvement in the Car Connectivity Consortium. This currently consists of a number of major auto manufacturers and is responsible for the release of Digital Key 1.0 back in 2018. Looking forward, Digital Key 2.0 – likely the spec adopted for Apple’s CarKey function – will be finalized soon and will use a new “scalable architecture” that will lead to mass adoption. It will also allow digital keys to be used even when a smart phone’s battery is low.

Even further down the road, Digital Key 3.0 will move into Bluetooth territory and, eventually, you’ll be able to access your car and start it without even removing your phone from your pocket or bag thanks to Ultra-Wideband technology. Word has it that iOS 13.4 should roll out sometime in 2020, and Apple’s new CarKey function could come along with it. The real question is what vehicles it’ll be compatible with. For now, that seems to be a large mystery. Stay tuned for updates.